OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MONDAY, FEB. 12, 2007

Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370

GOV. RITTER MAKES FIRST JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT

Monica Jo Gomez named to Douglas County Court

Gov. Bill Ritter today announced his first judicial appointment: Monica Jo Gomez to the
Douglas County Court bench. Effective March 5, the appointment fills the vacancy created by
the retirement of the Hon. Grafton F. Biddle.

"Monica brings a deep respect for the law and an even deeper respect for the people she’s
touched in the legal system," Ritter said. "Her legal background, professionalism and dedication
make her a perfect choice for this new role."

A resident of Parker, Gomez is currently a district court magistrate judge in the 4th Judicial
District. As a magistrate judge, she presided over felony drug and misdemeanor cases and
reviewed search and arrest warrants. She also has served as an assistant attorney general and as a
state public defender in the 4th and 18th Judicial Districts. Her areas of practice have included
criminal law, employment law, family law, and workers¿ compensation.

Gomez also served as an assistant professor of legal writing and as an adjunct professor of basic
criminal procedure at the University of Denver. In addition, she has served as president of the
Hispanic Bar Association in El Paso County, and was the Colorado State Public Defender
Bootcamper of the Year. Gomez received her B.A. from the University of Northern Colorado
and her law degree from the University of New Mexico Law School.

The initial term of office for a county court judge is a provisional term of two years; thereafter,
the incumbent will have a term of four years if approved by the voters.